Transgender people in India are now officially recognized as third gender, India Supreme Court.
Rights of third gender were given to all transgender people in India by India’s Supreme Court yesterday. It was stated that "It is the right of every human being to choose their gender."
Government was ordered to provide third gender people with all the quotas in spheres of job and education as well as other key amenities just as such for other minorities.
It is estimated that there are 2 million transgender people in India. Common term in India used to describe transgender people is ‘transsexual’ or ‘cross dressers’ in hijra (eunuch).
According to campaigners, such people live in poverty on the fringes of society due to their gender identity. Most common ways to make money for them include dancing, begging and prostitution.
They often face discrimination in various spheres. Sometimes hospitals refuse to admit them, according to the rights groups.
They were forced to pick a gender from male or female only when writing the application forms.
The court on Tuesday claimed that "Transgenders are also citizens of India" and they must be "provided equal opportunity to grow".
They added that: "The spirit of the Constitution is to provide equal opportunity to every citizen to grow and attain their potential, irrespective of caste, religion or gender."
Supreme court judges encouraged the government to treat transgender people the same as other minorities in category of ‘socially and economically backward’. This category will provide them with perks and quotas in spheres of job and education.
Moreover, the government should raise awareness about the issues concerned with discrimination of third gender and make sure they all get access to proper medical care and other facilities.
*Transgender beauty pageant
*Transgender festival
*Transgenders are often begging in local trains due to lack of job opportunities.
*Previous situation with Social exclusion of Hijras, Transwomen
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